The Tyrone Golden Eagles defeated the visiting Forest Hills Rangers in the opening round of the PIAA playoffs 35-7. This week we asked Coach Wilson about the win, and the upcoming rematch against the Huntingdon Bearcats.

EE: Your team is coming off a huge first round playoff win over Forest Hills. How do you think your squad performed?

JW: We performed really well. The line did a good job blocking. All of our running backs ran hard. It was a total team effort.

EE: Your defense limited Forest Hills’ standout running back to just 43 yards. What were the keys to that success?

JW: Pursuing to the ball. That was one of the main things we focused on all week, making sure we gang tackled, and wrapping the ball carrier up.

EE: Earlier in week 3, your team defeated Huntingdon 52-21. The Bearcats played without some of their playmakers. Do you think this game will be a lot closer?

JW: Yes, I definitely think this game will be closer than the last one. Like you said, they were without some of their key players. They are a better team than what they were in week 3. We have become a better team too though. The winner of this game gets to go to the district championship, so there is a lot on the line.

EE: Your team seems to wear other teams down in the second half, what is the reason for that?

JW: The lineman and their sled work, the hard work at practice, and the conditioning.

EE: The Bearcats have a solid running back, Jon Wagner. What must your defense bring to the table in order to stop him from exploding?

JW: Same thing we did last week with Forest Hills’ running back. We just need to make sure we fly to the ball, pursuit, and gang tackle.

EE: How has your line improved week in and week out?

JW: Each week they have gotten better at making the right calls, making sure they’re blocking the right people. They key is that they fire off low and attack the defensive front, and they have been doing a great job.

EE: Aleic Hunter is coming off a career high 220 yards and 3 touchdowns. Can you talk about his performance this previous Friday?

JW: Aleic is a small shifty running back. He hides behind his blockers and waits until the hole opens up. When he finds daylight, he can burst through. When our line is giving a good push up front, Aleic can gain ground just by riding behind them.